Trainer Ben Pauling has announced stable star Willoughby Court has had to be put down following recent surgery.

The 2017 Neptune Management Novices' Hurdle winner at Cheltenham had an infection of the sesamoid bone.

Connections decided to put their charge under the knife but despite receiving the best treatment, Pauling and his team have confirmed they decided to put Willoughby Court down.

He told reporters: "Unfortunately, the infection in the bone had flared up again and despite the best efforts of the fantastic team at Bourton Vale Equine Clinic, sadly we had no alternative but to put him down.

"Willoughby was a huge character around the yard. His brilliance was that he was that bit different and that bit sharper than any other horse I have ever trained. He was a fabulous jumper who very quickly became an incredibly tough competitor, which was proven in many of his races, none more so than when he won the Neptune at Cheltenham."